Monograph

Detoxify and guard against free radicals and environmental toxins. NUTRA Detoxidant has two goals in mind. First, support a healthy liver, which optimizes the elimination of toxins, improves energy, strengthens immunity, and distributes vital nutrients and hormones throughout the body. Second, provide a powerful combination of antioxidants that protect the body from the ever-increasing production of free radicals. Everyday our bodies come in contact with excessive amounts of free radicals found in daily stresses, such as the air we breathe and the food we eat. NUTRA Detoxidant may aid the elimination of toxins and reduce the accumulation of free radicals to encourage wellbeing.
 

Description

NUTRA Detoxidant combines the liver-protecting benefits of vitamin B12, amla, ginseng, grape seed, and milk thistle with strong antioxidant defenses; alpha lipoic acid, green tea, grape seed extract (Activin®), bilberry, and pine bark.

Research

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a potent antioxidant for neutralizing free radicals and preventing further accumulation.[1],[2] One study found a combination of ALA and acetyl-l-carnitine can restore mitochondrial function and lessen the aging process by reducing oxidative stress.[3]

With its strong antioxidant properties, ALA can prevent free radical damage in the brain.[4] Several studies have found ALA may be an effective aid in hindering neurodegenerative ailments.[5] A review in Pharmacology Therapy suggests ALA has ability to scavenge lipid peroxidation, increase glutathione (antioxidant in every human cell) levels, and increase acetylcholine (an essential nervous system messenger) to improve memory and concentration that declines with age.[6]

Amla

Amla, or Emblica officinalis, is an herb that contains high levels of vitamin C and antioxidant activity. Studies have indicated Amla reduces inflammation in the liver by stimulating antioxidant activity to prevent tissue damage.[7],[8] Amla reduced the formation of oxidative stress in rats after they were exposed to environmental toxins. Researchers concluded that Amla stimulated antioxidant activity in the liver and reduced toxic compounds.[9]

Amla protected the liver from ethanol-induced injuries by improving liver cell production and preventing liver damage in rats.[10] Furthermore, Amla is effective in reducing oxidative stress in the kidneys to restore essential nutrient absorption and rid the body of toxins.[11]

Berry Blend

Chokeberry, bilberry, and elderberry are anthocyanins that have strong antioxidant properties.[12] Anthocyanin extracts can aid normal cellular function[13], and protect the body from oxidative damage. [14] A one-month study recruited athletes to take chokeberry juice or a placebo to review the effects on exercise-induced oxidative stress. Researchers found that antioxidant activity increased among athletes consuming chokeberry juice, which decreased exercise-induced oxidative damage.50

Antioxidant properties contained in bilberry extract have been shown to decrease oxidative stress, while increasing protective glutathione and vitamin C activity in the liver.[15] Furthermore, elderberry has been shown to protect the liver from chemical and immunological injuries.[16]

Researchers examined the vascular protective properties of these three anthocyanin-rich extracts finding chokeberry, elderberry, and bilberry significantly aided endothelium function to promote vascular health.[17]

The high ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value contained in this berry blend meet the recommended daily intake of 4,000 to 5,000 ORAC units.

Bilberry

Bilberry has high levels of anthocyanins, which are chemical compounds that give fruits and vegetables their rich colors. As part of the antioxidant-rich flavonoid family, bilberry's anthocyanins improve blood flow throughout the body and offer strong defenses against oxidative stress. Bilberry reduced oxidative damage in the kidneys that was caused by food additives, as one study found bilberry extract scavenged free radicals and inhibited lipid peroxidation in the kidneys.[18]

Bilberry's antioxidant properties show positive effects on eye health. An animal study administered bilberry extract to rats with eye problems finding it effectively reduced oxidative damage in the eye.[19] Similarly, antioxidant pathways were reviewed in the human eye finding bilberry stimulated the production of enzymes that fight oxidative stress in this area.[20]

One study found bilberry was the most effective berry in reducing abnormal cell growth, as its high-concentration of anthocyanins had immense free radical scavenging activity.[21] Another study found that bilberry had the greatest protection against lipid and protein oxidation, when compared to other berry phenolics (natural antioxidant compounds).[22]

Ginseng

Ginseng has anti-viral activity that can inhibit the production of respiratory and flu viruses.[23] Researchers have indicated ginseng's antimicrobial properties protect the liver from toxins and bacteria.[24] One study found ginseng had a protective effect on the liver by reducing the accumulation of toxic compounds in mice.[25]

Grape Seed (Activin®)

Several studies suggest grape seed extract has the ability to scavenge free radicals and decrease lipid peroxidation for advanced cellular protection. Its antioxidant activity is even more effective than vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene.[26],[27] Grape seed extract's properties can significantly protect several vital organs from drug and chemical-induced toxins.[28]

A study conducted by the University of Birmingham observed serum antioxidant levels among 20 young volunteers finding grape seed extract (300 mg) significantly increased antioxidant activity.[29] By reducing oxidative damage, one study acknowledged the benefits of grape seed extract on delaying the aging process. Grape seed extract (100 mg/day) was given to young or aged rats for 15 or 30 days. Grape seed extract normalized cell function and restored membrane integrity in the aged rats, suggesting supplementation can aid normal cellular function among elderly individuals.[30]

Green Tea

Green tea is rich in catechin polyphenol, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has strong antioxidant values to deter the effects of cognitive decline[31] and prevent oxidative stress in the heart.[32] Green tea's potent properties can prevent the generation of highly reactive oxide compounds that cause cardiovascular ailments. An animal study gave rats a water/green tea mixture for 13 days, finding blood pressure and endothelial function (interior blood vessel cells) was maintained in the rats that consumed green tea.2

The proliferation of abnormal cell growth is significantly inhibited in individuals that drink green tea.[33] Furthermore, studies indicate green tea polyphenols can reduce the formation of abnormal cells in several tissues, including the stomach, colon, pancreas, bladder, breast and prostate.3,[34],[35],[36],[37],[38]

Green tea can reduce oxidative damage caused by exercise. A study recruited 14 young men participating in weight-training activity to take green tea (2 g 3x/day) finding it may protect the body from oxidative damage that accrues with resistance training.[39]

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle contains a flavonoid complex called silymarin that is extracted from milk thistle seeds. Silymarin increases production of glutathione (essential amino acid) in the liver, intestines, and stomach.

A meta-analysis found milk thistle can be an effective therapy in reducing liver inflammation and restoring normal liver function.[40] Individuals with chronic liver inflammation often use herbal remedies. A survey with 1,145 participants reported that of individuals using herbs for liver inflammation, milk thistle was the most common herb of choice (72%).[41]

Milk thistle has been reported to protect the liver from various toxins, including carbon tetrachloride, acetaminophen, ethanol, and iron toxicity.[42],[43] Milk thistle lessens the development of oxidative stress in the liver. A three-year study observed alcohol-induced baboons that were given milk thistle or a placebo. Milk thistle reduced the liver damaging effects of alcohol by reducing oxidative stress and other liver damaging components.[44]

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC), also known as L-Cysteine, is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is vital to glutathione production (essential amino acid produced in the liver). Through glutathione production, NAC is important to reducing oxidative stress and cleansing the liver from environmental toxins. One study reviewed the effects of NAC on human liver cells after they were exposed to lead toxins. Findings suggested NAC reduced oxidative stress in the cells making it a possible therapy to treat lead toxicity.[45] Another study that addressed environmental toxins found NAC protected the liver from oxidative stress caused by electric field exposure.[46] NAC's effects on liver cell injuries caused by environmental toxins may be due to this amino acid's ability to improve glutathione production.[47]

Pine Bark

Pine bark is rich in procyanidin oligomers, which protect cells from oxidative stress. It enhances antioxidant activity, as it protects glutathione levels from oxidative intruders.[48] A research review on pine bark extract indicated pine bark can regenerate other antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E. Furthermore, pine bark's antioxidant properties lessen inflammation to improve various organ functions.[49]

Pine bark can decrease excessive fat accumulation in the liver, as it can reduce circulating LDL cholesterol.[50] One study gave 25 healthy subjects pine bark (150 mg/d) and measured oxidative stress levels to evaluate the antioxidant effects on lipid peroxidation and cholesterol. Results indicated antioxidant activity significantly increased with pine bark supplementation.[51]

Pine bark is rich in procyanidin oligomers that protect cells from oxidative stress. It enhances antioxidant activity to improve cardiovascular function by protecting glutathione levels (antioxidant found in every cell) from oxidative intruders.[52]

One study gave 25 healthy subjects pine bark (150 mg/d) and measured oxidative stress levels to evaluate the antioxidant effects on lipid peroxidation and cholesterol. Results indicated antioxidant activity significantly increased with pine bark supplementation.[53]

A research review on pine bark indicated the extract can regenerate other antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E. Furthermore, pine bark's antioxidant properties lessen inflammation to improve various organ functions.[54]

Vitamin B12

High levels of B12 are stored in the liver to protect the organ from accumulating toxins.[55] Vitamin B12 is a component in the conversion of homocysteine (dangerous amino acid) to methionine (essential amino acid), which is important to protecting the liver from the accumulation of triglycerides. Researchers found vitamin B12 could protect the liver from ethanol-induced damage by maintaining methionine metabolism.[56] Furthermore, vitamin B12 reduced elevated homocysteine levels in patients involved in a six-month treatment of B-vitamins that included folic acid (10 mg), vitamins B12 (1,000 mg), and B6 (100 mg).[57]

Additional Information – Dosage & Interactions

Suggested Use

As a dietary supplement, take two capsules daily, or as directed by physician.

Dosage

Alpha Lipoic Acid - Up to 600 mg per day (based on G.I. tolerance)

Amla – 100 to 600 mg per day (based on G.I. tolerance)

BerrySelect™ (Chokeberry, Elderberry, Bilberry) – Up to 1,000 mg per day (4,550 µmol TE/g ORAC value)

Bilberry – Up to 200 mg per day (50 mg anthocyanosides)

Ginseng – Up to 200 mg per day (2 mg eleutherosides)

Grape Seed (Activin®) - Up to 600 mg per day

Green Tea - Up to 500 mg per day (200 mg EGCG, NMT 200 mg caffeine)

Milk Thistle - Up to 750 mg per day (600 mg silymarin in a isomer mixture of flavonolignans [isosilybin, isossilichristin, dehydrosilibin, and dehydrosilichristin])

N-Acetyl-Cysteine - Up to 1,800 mg per day in divided doses

Pine Bark – Up to 100 mg per day

Vitamin B12 – Up to 5,000 mcg per day

Precautions

The maximum safe dosages of the supplements in this formula have not been determined for children, pregnant or nursing women, or for individuals with severe liver or kidney disease. As with all supplement regimens, please consult your physician prior to use.

Alpha Lipoic Acid - Individuals with diabetes on anti-diabetic medications should have their blood glucose monitored to avoid possible hypoglycemia while taking ALA.

Amla – There are no known adverse reactions with proper supplementation.

BerrySelect™ (Chokeberry, Elderberry, Bilberry) - Stomach upset due to tannin content have been reported.

Bilberry – Stomach upset due to tannin content have been reported.

Ginseng – Individuals with cardiovascular disease or diabetes (may lower blood glucose levels) should use caution when taking supplements with ginseng.

Grape Seed (Activin®) – There are no known adverse reactions with proper supplementation.

Green Tea - Excessive amounts of caffeine (300 mg or more) can lead to restlessness, tremors, etc.

Milk Thistle - A research review of Milk Thistle indicated the herb is a safe therapy for treating liver ailments. In very rare cases, Milk Thistle caused gastrointestinal disturbances and allergic skin rashes.

N-Acetyl-Cysteine - Individuals with asthma should consult a physician prior to taking supplements with NAC.

Pine Bark – There are no known adverse reactions with proper supplementation.

Vitamin B12 – Individuals with Leber's disease (eye problems) should not use.

Drug Interactions

Consult a physician before taking NUTRA Detoxidant, as the following key nutrients may interact with certain medications.

Alpha Lipoic Acid - Anti-diabetic medications (Alpha lipoic acid may lower blood glucose levels).

Amla – There are no known interactions with proper supplementation.

BerrySelect™ (Chokeberry, Elderberry, Bilberry) - Blood thinners (Coumadin, Plavix, etc.); Tannin content in Elderberry may interact with Iron absorption. To avoid this interaction separate iron and Elderberry administration time by two hours.

Bilberry – Blood thinners (Coumadin, Plavix, etc.)

Ginseng - Albendazole, Anticoagulants, Insulin, Estrogen, MAOIs, Nifedipine

Grape Seed (Activin®) - There are no known interactions with proper supplementation.

Green Tea - Blood thinners, alkaline medications

Milk Thistle - Medicines used to treat infections – metronidazole (Flagyl)

N-Acetyl-Cysteine - Nitrates, Carbamazepine

Pine Bark – There are no known interactions with proper supplementation.

Vitamin B12 – Antibiotics, H2 blockers, Aminosalicylic Acid, Metformin, Nitrous oxide, Proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, etc.) may all decrease vitamin B12 absorption.

*Statements made herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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[53] Devaraj S, Vega-López S, Kaul N, et al. Supplementation with a pine bark extract rich in polyphenols increases plasma antioxidant capacity and alters the plasma lipoprotein profile. Lipids. 2002 Oct; 37(10): 931-934.

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